Iguazú Falls: A Breathtaking Natural Wonder of the World

Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil are a beautiful destination, and a must if you travel to South America. There are many things that make this experience unique: the amount falls, the different tours available to see them, and the fact that they are shared by both Argentina & Brazil. 

They have been voted as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and there's good reason for it. Mother nature did a great job here, as they are truly a breathtaking sight. They are actually so powerful that even one of its streams, is literally called "The devil's throat".

There's a lot to know about visiting this natural wonder, so that's why we're here to help! Here is everything you need to know about visiting Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil.

Where is Iguazu Falls?

Iguazu Falls are located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, belonging to both countries (just like Niagara Falls in New York and Canada). Situated in south west Brazil, and north east of Argentina, they are also right by the south eastern border of Paraguay.

Getting to Iguazu Falls

There are actually two airports that serve the area- one being in Brazil, and the other being in Argentina. If you are flying from Brazil, it will be cheaper to fly into the airport of Foz do Iguacu International Airport, and if you are flying from Argentina, it will be cheaper to fly into Cataratas International Airport. 

The Brazilian cities that fly into Foz do Iguacu include Campinas, Curitiba, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre, and Sao Paulo, and also have one flight daily coming from Lima, Peru.

The Argentinian cities that fly into Cataratas include Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Jujuy, and Tucuman.

How to Get to the Towns of Iguazu

Here we'll get into how to get to Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil, as well as the towns themselves.

Arriving into the Cities

If you're arriving by plane, let us tell you that both Brazil and Argentina have small airports, so it’s very easy to get out of them and to find transportation. Although there are no public buses that go to or from the Argentinian airport “Puerto Iguazú” to the city, so you will need to get a taxi or a van. 

If you haven't booked one in advance, don't worry! You can still find many locals offering this service. On the Brazilian side something similar happens.

Which Side of Iguazu Falls is Better?

The first thing that people wonder is where to start. Which is better? Iguazu Fall in Argentina or Iguazu Falls in Brazil? Well, both Argentinian & Brazilian sides are worth a visit. Not only for the different views of the falls, but for the different cultures around each side.

From Argentinian's asado to Brazilian's Picanha, we promise you that you will certainly have a lifetime experience. Are you a vegetarian? We got you as well, with the most delicious Acaí Brazil can offer. 

So, in order to make the best out of your trip, we suggest you a few things. You can easily see everything in three or even two days. One day to be spent seeing Iguazu Falls in Brazil, another one for Iguazu Falls in Argentina, and an extra one for a few extra things to do while there.

So, without further ado, let's jump right into everything you need to know..

Visiting Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil: Things to Consider

Here are some of the important things to know while visiting Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil for the first time.

Bring a Bathing Suit With You (for Iguazu Falls in Argentina)

Don't worry, we are not gonna ask you to jump from a waterfall. We are actually going to challenge you to get through a waterfall. Yes, you read that right! The Argentinian side offers a tour that takes you in a boat to appreciate the falls from below. The boat will literally go through a waterfall. It's really fun!

Take Public Transportation Rather Than a Taxi.

The national park isn't far from downtown (and we're talking for both Argentinian and Brazilian sides). You can easily get there with the public bus. Taxis will try to charge you a ridiculous amount of money and, considering that there are usually many tourists around, it isn't hard to find someone to go with.

Start Your Day as Early as Possible

If you visit Iguazú Falls for our recommended length of time, then you have seriously no time to waste. Both parks are big enough (especially Iguazu Falls in Argentina). So make sure you start your day as early as possible to make sure you don't miss out on anything.

Plus, there are certain tours and activities that are scheduled, so if you don't get there early you might miss out on them.

Local Food is a Must

There's so much tasty food in this area (both countries) that you won't want to leave.

Brazilian Local Food

When you go to the Brazilian side, try açaí, local berries with an unbelievable taste, usually used in smoothies or sweet bowls. Also, coconuts are sold all over, and they are fresh, delicious and cheap. Last, but certainly not least, Brazilian's picanha is their specialty. Enjoy this piece of meat served with any side. You will not regret it.

Argentinian Local Food

After you cross to the Argentinian side, their asado is what you should go for first. It's an Argentinian absolute classic. This barbecue has one of the best quality steaks in the world, & when you order it in a "parrillada" you will also have it with chorizo and all types of loins that are typical there. 

In the picture above you can see a sword with Asado, chorizo, chicken and pork all in one. If you're into meat, this is for you.

Going to Both Parks of Iguazu Falls in Argentina & Brazil

There are public buses to the falls from both sides. To get to Iguazu Falls In Argentina, you will leave from Puerto Iguazú, Argentina. The bus you're looking for does not have a number. it simply says “Cataratas” in the front. The ticket costs 60 pesos (This was the price in April 2019. They may have changed it by now) and it takes 20 minutes to get there.

To get to Iguazu Falls in Brazil, you will leave from the town of  Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. The bus number you have to take to get to the national park is 120. The price is 4 to 6 reales and it also takes around 20 minutes to get there.

Keep in mind that many bus drivers will tell you that their buses do not go to the falls. Just jump into bus number 120 and you’ll be okay.

Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil: Prices & Trails

Tickets have different prices depending of where you come from. Locals will pay half the price, and people from countries that belong to Mercosur will pay 75% of the normal ticket.

Iguazu Falls in Brazil

On the Brazilian side, you have 3 options once inside the park. All of them offer something different, and they certainly have their unique features.

Explore by Bus

The first option is to get there by taking a bus that drops you to the beginning of the only path through which you can see them. This gives you the freedom of taking as much time as you need to take pictures and enjoy the way.

Explore by Boat

The second option is to get there by a boat tour, that drives you around them for a bit but with certain restrictions in terms of how much you're able to see. The good thing is that you are literally in the water; this gives you a closer contact with the falls.

Explore by Helicopter

The third option is a bit different; You can get to see the falls by helicopter.. The good thing is that you will get pictures and views that no one else will. However, the price to pay for that is very high, It costs 4 times the regular price to get up there, and the ride lasts only 20 minutes.

We recommend you to take the bus. You can still see the falls up close, get great pictures, and feel the water around you. Since there’s a platform built near the falls, you can get as close as possible.

Iguazu Falls in Argentina

In the Argentinian side the price will also depend on where you come from. Locals will pay half the price, people from countries that belong to Mercosur will pay 75% of the normal ticket and foreigners from the rest of the world will pay the normal fee.

The park is way bigger and you’ll need more time to explore it. There are 3 paths (Garganta del diablo, superior and inferior). The main one is Garganta del diablo, which you go through by a small train that is included with the main ticket.

Garganta del Diablo

Here’s where you can really get a feel of how powerful the waterfalls are. The train will take you to a path that leads to the top of the biggest fall “Garganta del diablo”, which means “Devil’s throat”. The feeling cannot be put down into words. You have to live it for yourself.

There’s a bonus here, because, as we mentioned above, you can also get a one-hour tour in a boat that takes you literally through the falls. It costs an extra $50 USD, but it’s totally worth it.

If you happen to have a GoPro camera or something similar, bring it with you, because you’ll get the best pictures and videos without the risk of your camera/phone getting soaked.

You don't even have to worry about your other belongings. They will provide you with a bag to take with you through the ride where you can put all your stuff to keep them dry.

Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil: Where to Stay

We won't overwhelm you with options because, to be honest, we found options for all budgets; from Airbnb to a fancy hotel, from a rented apartment to camping and bringing your tent with you. 

On the Brazilian side, we got a room through Airbnb, just around the bus station. Prices were very affordable and we found people in general very friendly and helpful to give instructions about how to move around.

On the Argentinian side, we stayed at a cabin also right around the bus station. The vibe in both places is kind of similar. As most of the people show up for tourism, locals are expecting you to ask questions and many are happily willing to help. 

Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil: What to Wear

First things first. It's going to be as humid as you can imagine, so be prepared because high temperatures will feel even more intense. We visited Iguazu falls in March and experienced extremely hot temperatures during the day.

The good thing is that in the falls there are no tough trails, so a dress and sandals are fine to wear. Flip flops and shorts are also very welcome. Due to its weather, you might have short & strong rains so a rain jacket and an umbrella will be two good friends to bring with you.

During night time, temperatures drop a little bit, so bring a sweater just in case.

Other Things to Know

And, as usual, we will recommend you that you make the best out of your trip! Iguazu is not only on the border between Argentina and Brazil, but also right next to Paraguay, so there are a few things you can consider doing around here.

Visit a New Country

If your passport allows you to visit Paraguay without a visa, you can easily take a bus from Foz do Iguaçu across the border to Ciudad del Este, Paraguay's border city, for some shopping. Due to its low prices, this city is visited by a lot of people every year.

Be careful, though, because the place is not the safest town around. We strongly suggest you to go in a group and to come back before the sunset. We happened to stay for longer and the experience when the sun came down wasn't the most pleasant.

Triple Frontera (The Triple Border)

Have you ever seen, literally with your own eyes, land from three countries at the same time? well, now is your time. There's a spot available for everyone where the river allows you to see land from Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.

Danni is standing on the Argentinian side. The piece of land you see on the right side belongs to Brazil, and the one on the left belongs to Paraguay. It’s only 30 minutes walking distance from Puerto Iguazú, Argentina. Not bad for such an experience, right?